Once the mission objective - using the enemy's computer to hack their bank account - was accomplished, we fended off a concentrated attack by using explosive satchel charges to convert our enemies into a fine red mist. Then it was out to a nearby runway to blow up their vehicles and then, unexpectedly, some escaping airplanes. The game’s flamethrower and mini gun weapons made short work of the vehicles, whose explosions then made short work of anyone in their proximity.

Saints Row 2 also puts a fairly heavy emphasis on melee fighting this time around, enabling you to snatch enemies if they’re close enough and hurl them into the nearest wall, train, speeding car, etc.. You can also grab any enemy and use them as a human shield, essential for absorbing the hail of bullets from waves of rival gang thugs. Never has a dead body looked like such a useful teammate. The developers on hand showcased some of the different styles of melee combat you’ll unlock as the game progresses: the basic brawler style, Taekwondo like martial arts moves, the dance-fighting style of Capoeira and even over-the-top pro-wrestling moves. Why shoot your enemies when you can piledrive them onto the hood of your Impala, then teabag them while wearing a ridiculous purple fur coat?

While the Voliton devs were still tightlipped about online multiplayer specifics, they did describe how the main story mode is, at all times, fully playable by either one or two players. This means you aren’t locked into separate single- and multiplayer campaigns, so if your roommate Todd has to go away for a while after a night out with that girl he swore was eighteen, you can still soldier on without him.

While the game is still a little rough around the edges and has a few bugs, it seems like there’ll be enough time to work them out between now and the game’s scheduled October 14th release date. Saints Row 2 looks poised to capitalize on gamers already tired of GTA IV, or those who want less “gritty realism” and more “crap cannon.”

Aug 4 , 2008